Spinster – GI
$650.00 For Fillies And Mares Three Years And Upward
1 1/8 Miles – Dirt
Keeneland – October 4, 2026

With the Breeder’s Cup being held at Keeneland in just a few short weeks time, this past weekend at this year’s host track was like a sneak peek with big races serving as preps and last ditch efforts to qualify for almost every division. The G1 Spinster gave us a glimpse of the upcoming Distaff with Altered State gaining entry to that race with her gutsy win and now guaranteed entry. Or did it? Altered State currently sits atop the standings for qualifying for the BC Filly & Mare Sprint and now has her Distaff golden ticket in hand so where will she go? The girl has choices. 

Winner: Altered State
Owner/Trainer: Mb Stables
Jockey: J.R. Velasquez
Breeder: Mb Stables (ON) – Smokin Luka/Shes Irrational (Fire N Fury)

For the first half of the race it was a duel between three pacesetters: Beautiful Eileen on the outside, Altered State on the rail and Pineapple Puff in between them. As the field moved to the half mile pole Beautiful Eileen began to drop back and Altered State and Pineapple Puff went on with it and continued to battle. Pineapple Puff gained a slight advantage around the final turn and held that through most of the stretch. With Altered State having proven herself the top female sprinter this year it seemed likely that her three year old rival would outlast her to the wire but the five year old gray mare dug in and gained a slight advantage with a half furlong to go. Having finally subdued Pineapple Puff, Altered State was strong enough to hold off Menacing Shadow who was closing fast on the outside to win by a head.  to see an encore.

Second: Menacing Shadow
Owner/Trainer: La Canada Racehorses
Jockey: G. Corrales
Breeder: The Freakshow (Cal) – Menacing Ghost/Out Into (Shark Force)

Took her time early settling towards the back of the field along with Bunny Connection and was not asked for run until there was a half mile left to go. Swung wide and found her best stride in the stretch. Powered home passing all but the winner just running out of ground.

Third: Pineapple Puff
Owner/Trainer: Nakamura Stables
Jockey: D.E. Centeno
Breeder: Nakamura Stables (Fla) – Huff N Puff/Pineapple Cup (Red Cup)

Went all out head and head with the eventual winner throughout the entire race. She held a slight advantage throughout the stretch with neither horse willing to give way as the pair fought to the wire with Pineapple Puff giving way just slightly in the final strides and losing second in the final jumps. Three year old filly stepped up with a big effort against older foes for the first time. 

Fourth (DH): Great Eclipse
Owner/Trainer: Night Rider Stables
Jockey: T. Gaffalione
Breeder: The Freakshow (Cal) – Great Creep/Classic Eclipse (Orange Eclipse)

Ran towards the back of the midpack for the first half of the race. Began to make a move around the turn into the stretch and continued on gamely but could not catch the leaders and was passed by Menacing Shadow who was making a stronger late run. 

Fourth (DH): Boardwalk Freak
Owner/Trainer: Noblepark
Jockey: J. NavMarin
Breeder: Mb Stables (Cal) – Boardwalk Empire/Super Freak (Sinissippi Star)

Was next to last most of the way. Followed Menacing Shadow throughout who swung wide while Boardwalk Freak was able to find a perfect rail run through the stretch just getting up to dead heat for a share of the final check. 

Preview Pick: Pineapple Puff  – A game third.

This was the third Spinster win for Mb Stables and the seventh time that jockey J.R. Velasquez has found himself in the winner’s circle after this race. Altered State now shows fourteen wins in twenty seven starts. This was her sixth win in nine starts in 2026. The five year old homebred boasts four graded stakes wins in what has turned out to be a stellar season including two G1s. Her career earnings now stand at $2,407.72 and has now qualified for multiple BC races. 

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES